Civil · Debt defense

Sued on a credit card or other consumer debt?

Debt buyers and lenders file many collection suits in the Special Civil Part. If you were served, the papers set a short deadline to answer. If you missed it, the plaintiff may have asked for a default or a default judgment.

Some of these suits have real defenses: the wrong plaintiff, missing paperwork showing the debt was sold, the wrong amount, or a debt too old to sue on. I read what you were served and tell you plainly what I see.

I take all matters based on my case load and whether the case resonates with me. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. That relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement.

Published fees

Consumer debt suits and defaults: what it costs.

Each fee below is my attorney fee for the scope listed, and it binds for that scope. Court filing fees, service of process, court-officer fees, and other third-party costs are extra. They are paid to the court or the provider, not to me. If your matter would entail more than a flat fee, I tell you in writing before any added work, and nothing changes unless you agree.

Answer drafted, you file

$450flat

I draft your Answer to one consumer-debt complaint. You file and serve it yourself.

Included

Review of the complaint, summons, and the papers you have about the debt
Drafting of one Answer, with the defenses the facts support
Written instructions on filing, serving, and what happens next
One revision round inside that scope

Not included

Filing or serving the Answer for you
Court appearances, settlement talks, discovery, or trial
Counterclaims as their own project, or a second lawsuit
Bankruptcy advice

Motion to vacate a default, plus Answer

$650flat

If a default or default judgment was entered against you, I draft the motion to vacate it and the proposed Answer that goes with it. You file it yourself.

Included

Review of the court record and the papers you were served
Drafting of one motion to vacate the default or default judgment, with a supporting certification
Drafting of the proposed Answer
Written filing and service instructions
One revision round inside that scope

Not included

Arguing the motion in court, if the court sets oral argument
Lifting a wage garnishment or bank levy (see Garnishment and levy relief)
Anything after the motion is decided

Beyond the flat fee

Court appearances and settlement talks with the plaintiff or its lawyer are hourly at $275/hour through December 8, 2026, then $350/hour, with a written retainer. Time is billed in tenths of an hour.

On the drafting-only fees, you remain the self-represented (pro se) party. You file the papers and appear yourself unless we sign a separate written retainer for an appearance.

Published discounts apply to these attorney fees, not to court or third-party costs.

A free 30-minute phone consultation is available by appointment at 732-606-4516. A call does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Writing this office, filling out a form, sending documents, or meeting with me does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean I have accepted your matter. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement. Until then, do not send confidential information you need protected. This website is not the contract.

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